Iran war reshapes Brics ties but also exposes divisions

World leaders convened in Delhi for a significant gathering, aiming to reshape Brics ties and assess their relationships amid the ongoing Iran war. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the group should aim to become "rule-shapers," not "rule-takers." Attendees included China's President Xi Jinping, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Despite their histories of conflicts, these nations share a common goal of reducing Western influence and fostering strategic autonomy.

The summit's key outcome was a joint declaration, adopted on the first day, which failed to address crucial issues due to members' disagreements. It urged "maximum restraint" in the Middle East war, condemned attacks on civilians and peaceful nuclear facilities without assigning blame, and supported a two-state solution. However, it did not explicitly mention Russia's war in Ukraine. The declaration also made cautious remarks about trade, condemning unilateral sanctions but avoiding naming specific countries.

The summit provided an opportunity for Iran and the UAE to hold high-level talks, marking the first such meeting since the war began. Iran's President Pezeshkian sought to strengthen economic ties with Brics members like India, Malaysia, and Ethiopia. Meanwhile, China, which had a strained relationship with India due to a 2020 border dispute, also signed agreements on business and transport ties. Although the leaders did not hug, their handshake signaled a shift in their relationship.